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Worried youre not getting enough protein?
Aart Verrips
For years, I didnt.
In fact, I avoided it like the plague.
Hungry in the middle of the morning?
Just have some Special K!
I had cravings all the time, felt exhausted, and experienced mental lapses.
And, for the record, my muscles were basically non-existent.
Of course, Im not alonemany people dont consumeenough protein.
In fact, many people do not even include it in the first meal of the day.
At the very least, experts say 10% of our daily calories should come from protein.
(Turns out protein is important for hormones, too.)
Missing periods, experts say, is just one sign you may not be getting enough protein.
Below, nutritionists share a few more signs of not getting enough protein.
After all, consuming balanced mealsincluding proteinis key to keeping the immune system functioning and for regulating your hormones.
Protein is important for joints, muscle recovery, and muscle building.
It also helps you maintainmuscle massin the long term, explains Perez-Trejo Soltwedel.
To that end, eating ample protein can also help you achieve better results from your workouts.
And if you dont exercise frequently?
Thats even worse, she says.
You wont be able to maintain the muscle mass you do have.
So eat those four eggs for breakfast, okay?
You should also supplement with vitamins, minerals, magnesium and omega, she notes.
Be sure to consume protein from whole grains and legumes.
Shop Vogue’s favoriteprotein powders, below.
